South Burnaby star striker Christine Sinclair is hoping there is no place like home.
For the first time in 12 seasons with Canada's national women's soccer team, the celebrated Canadian player of the year is relishing the opportunity of showcasing the team's talent in front of a hometown crowd at the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament, which began on Thursday (after Record deadlines) in Vancouver.
"It's very exciting," said Sinclair on a media conference call Wednesday. "We don't often get to play in our home country, never mind your hometown. We see it as motivation, playing in front of friends and family."
After a less than memorable World Cup showing in Germany in 2011, Sinclair led Canada to the gold medal over Brazil at the Pan American Games, while also tallying the 120th goal of her storied international career.
But the 28-year-old captain and the national team are on the hunt for bigger spoils, she said.
"I'm proud of what I've accomplished, and I'm proud of what the steps the team has taken. But ideally, I want this team to win a medal at either the worlds or the Olympics," Sinclair said.
"This isn't an individual sport. Basically we need to win something, some sort of medal, to solidify us in this sport."
Sinclair and five other B.C. players on Canada's Olympic qualifying squad hope the stands are packed at B.C. Place for the all important showdown that will decide which two teams will earn berths into the Summer Olympics in London.
Under new head coach John Herdman, Sinclair believes her job as team captain will be easier.
"It's very much a team atmosphere," Sinclair said. "He (Herdman) wants all the players to be leaders on this team."
But playing before a hometown crowd should bring the best out of Canada, Sinclair added.
In fact, the national women's team has a record of 11-1 in CONCACAF games played in Canada.
But for Sinclair, just getting back on familiar turf might be the greatest incentive to showcase Canada's skill at the intercontinental stage.
Playing at home brings back some special memories for the former south Burnaby high school star.
"My best memory as a kid is playing soccer with my best friends - high school soccer with Burnaby South, that was great," Sinclair said.
To qualify for the Olympic Games in London later this year, Canada must be one of the two finalists following the 10day qualifying tournament at B.C. Place.
Canada is in a pool with Haiti, Cuba and Costa Rica, while on the other side of the draw are Guatemala, the Dominican Republic and this country's most difficult opposition, Mexico and the U.S.A.
On Saturday, Canada faces Cuba.
The national team finishes up pool play on Monday with a tilt against Costa Rica.
Both games are 7: 30 p.m. starts. The semifinals are scheduled for Jan. 27 at B.C. Place.
The two Olympic qualifying countries will then square off under the dome against each other in the tournament final on Sunday, Jan. 29.
Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.
